A Buyers Guide To Bar Stools For Your Kitchen Island
Kitchens are more than just a room to cook meals, they are also a place to entertain and socialise which is why kitchen islands have become increasingly popular over the past few years. The kitchen island serves as the heart of the kitchen, it’s the place where families gather and meals are prepared.
Bar stools are an essential part of the kitchen island. They enhance functionality, aesthetics and comfort therefore contributing to the overall design of your kitchen. This guide will outline the different types of bar stools, factors to consider before purchasing and how to match bar stools with kitchen décor.
Choosing the best bar stool for your kitchen island is important. The right bar stool can transform your kitchen making it more inviting and practical. You can find our range of bar stools here.
Factors To Consider Before Purchasing Bar Stools
There are many factors to take into account before buying bar stools, height, width, location, colour and counter dimensions. We know choosing kitchen bar stools can seem intimidating but don’t worry our guide will help you make the right decision.
Consider Height Adjustments
Stool height is important as it influences kitchen interactions and space utility. When buying kitchen bar stools it must fit comfortably beneath the counter. To determine the best bar stool, you need to start by measuring the height of your kitchen island. Using tape measure from the ground up to the top of the island. This will ensure you choose a stool with the correct height. Bar stools are typically between 28 and 32 inches in height. There should always be between 10-12 inches of space between the bar stool and the top of the kitchen island, giving enough legroom to ensure ultimate comfort. Adjustable bar stools have many advantages including:
- Adjustable height makes them suitable for people of all ages and sizes.
- Adjustable bar stools are versatile, as they can be lowered or heightened they can be placed in different rooms in your house.
While adjustable bar stools are more versatile, fixed-height bar stools also have their benefits one being it has more stability than an adjustable stool. We also recommend swivel bar stools for kitchen islands as this feature allows the bar stool to move from side to side and spin around. This makes it easier to engage in conversation and see different areas of the kitchen.
Determine Correct Width
Before purchasing bar stools you need to measure the width of your kitchen island as this determines how many stools will fit. It is important to consider how many bar stools will fit around the kitchen island without compromising comfort. The width of bar stools for kitchen islands can vary depending on if the stool has arms. We recommend you leave 15cm between each stool so there’s enough room to get on/off the stool, swivel and eat food. The width and spaces between your bar stools are crucial to the comfort of the user, if the stools aren’t far enough apart it can cause trouble getting in and out of your seat or cause you to bump elbows with the person beside you. You need to consider the size of your room before choosing your bar stools, large rooms with big kitchen islands may require larger stools or a larger amount of stools than small spaces.
Pick the Right Location
Placing bar stools around your kitchen island strategically can enhance both functionality and flow. Where bar stools are positioned around your island can dictate social interactions. Here are some placement tips to help encourage social interactions:
- Ensure bar stools are evenly spaced. This means everyone has sufficient room and can easily engage in conversation.
- Position the bar stools so that they are face to face. This setup encourages natural flowing conversation.
If you have a smaller kitchen and are looking to maximise space, you should:
- Place all the bar stools along one side of the island, helping maximise floor space.
- Tuck bar stools under overhang when not in use. This creates a cleaner look in the kitchen.
It is important to choose the right location for your bar stools so they integrate seamlessly with the overall kitchen design. One way to do this is by creating a focal point. Positioning the bar stools where they are aesthetically pleasing can create a focal point in your kitchen.
You also need to factor in lighting when picking stool placements. Natural light sources such as windows can affect where you place bar stools as placing them near natural light can maximise comfort while also being energy efficient. Artificial lighting is also something to consider. Lighting fixtures can improve safety in the kitchen, reducing the risk of accidents. When placing bar stools, ensure the seating areas are well-lit and easily accessible to avoid any accidents in the kitchen. You should avoid placing stools in high-traffic areas or pathways to areas like the stove, sink and fridge. This ensures that the main areas of the kitchen won’t be compromised or obstructed.
Factor in Your Kitchen’s Colour Scheme
When choosing the perfect high stools for your kitchen island it is important to take into consideration the overall colour scheme of the kitchen. Whether you’re choosing a bold colour to make a statement or a neutral colour to complement the existing kitchen palette, also consider the colour of your cabinets, floors, walls, appliances and kitchen island. Bold colours have become increasingly popular for kitchens in recent years with more and more people using reds, greens and blues. Although these colours have become more popular, it is important to consider which colours are trendy vs which won’t go out of style as quickly. Neutral colours like white, grey and beige are timeless.
It is important to factor in the psychological effects colours have in your home. Bright neutral colours like white, greys and browns give feelings of relaxation and calmness making them ideal colours for the kitchen. While bold colours like red can be aesthetically pleasing, large amounts of red can overwhelm a space and cause feelings of stress.
Bar stools come in different materials including wood, fabric, leather and steel. The best material for your bar stools depends on your specific needs and preferences. Remember, different materials can alter the appearance of colours under various lighting. Black leather bar stools stand the test of time as they are easy to clean and complement any décor. Fabric bar stools, although they look sophisticated tend not to be as long-lasting. The fabric can easily be discoloured and hard to clean. Therefore may not be suitable if you have young kids or pets.
Measure Your Counter Top
Measuring the height of your kitchen island countertop is crucial as it allows you to choose the most appropriate bar stool. You can measure the counter height of your kitchen island with just a measuring tape. First, position your measuring tape at the bottom of the island and extend it until you reach the top of the counter. Make sure to measure from multiple areas as kitchen islands can have uneven countertops. Keep a notepad and pencil beside you so you can write down your measurements.
Overhangs for a kitchen island play a key role in creating aesthetic appeal and functionality. The overhang allows for additional bar stools while protecting the floor and cabinets from spills. We recommend a 16 – 18 inch overhang as this allows for comfortable seating and ensures there is enough room to tuck the stools away.
Proportion is essential to kitchen island size. Bar stools need to be in proportion with counter dimensions to ensure visual harmony. Customised bar stools may also be an option if you have unique counter dimensions as customisation allows you to design bar stools that fit into the available space.
Choosing the Right Type of Bar Stool for Your Kitchen Location
The type of bar stool materials will have an impact on the durability, comfort and style of your stool. The best material for you depends on personal preference and specific requirements. Wood bar stools for kitchen islands are long-lasting and complement many kitchen decors including minimalist and modern designs. Leather bar stools are easy to clean and complement any décor. Metal bar stools are durable but aren’t the comfiest due to the hard seating. Fabric bar stools blend luxury and comfort but tend not to last as long as they are difficult to clean.
The stool’s features are another thing to look out for. Stools with adjustable height maximise comfort and accommodate any user. Bar stools with swivel capabilities offer several benefits, they allow the user to rotate 360 degrees, making it easier for the user to get on or off the stool. Stools with footrests enhance stability and therefore increase comfort.
The stool design can impact the required space. For example, armrests can affect the spacing between stools. Stools with armrests need more space between each stool to avoid the users feeling uncomfortable. Stools with a backrest also take up more room on the floor, which is important to consider so the space doesn’t become overcrowded.
Although you want your bar stools to be aesthetically appealing it is important to factor in the ergonomic design as this will determine the stool’s comfort. If you interplay both aesthetics and ergonomics when choosing a bar stool it will ensure sophistication, comfort and functionality in your kitchen leaving you satisfied in the long run.
Find Your Perfect Bar Stool with Des Kelly Interiors
When choosing the perfect bar stool it is important to remember all the factors discussed in this guide including height, width, location, colour, and counter dimensions. Here at Des Kelly Interiors we have 50+ years of experience in furniture and are committed to providing the best quality to our customers. We can help find you the perfect bar stool for your kitchen island based on your specific needs and style preferences. Explore our wide range of bar stools online or visit us in-store.
FAQS: Common Questions About Bar Stools Answered
- How far apart should bar stools be?
We recommend that you leave 15cm between each stool.
- What type of bar stools are most comfortable?
Full back bar stools are the most comfortable and they offer support for your back.
- Can I use bar stools for a kitchen island?
Yes, bar stools are a popular seating choice for kitchen islands.
- How long should an island be for 4 stools?
The general rule for kitchen island seating is 24 inches for every stool. To fit 4 bar stools around the island it should be at least 92 inches.